More than 35 million people in the United States get toenail fungus. It is not the same as athlete's foot, but similar. You can have both at the same time. In this article you will learn what causes toenail fungus?
The Mayo Clinic reports you may have nail fungus if one or more of your nails are:
Thickened
Brittle, crumbly or ragged
Distorted in shape
Dull with no luster or shine
A dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail.
Infected nails may also separate from the nail bed. You may even feel pain in your toes or fingertips and detect a slightly foul odor.
There is no fast cure for nail fungus
Understanding how fungi reproduce will help you understand why it is so difficult to get rid of. Just like Dandelions that grow in your yard and hard to get rid of, it is hard to get rid of toe nail fungus.
Dandelions make seeds that float away on the wind. Fungi do not make seeds like dandelions. They make spores or buds, which serve the same purpose of reproduction.
These buds comes from the cell walls, and are expelled outwards with force. The new bud lands in a spot of a new source of food (your skin) and begin to grow. Sometimes there is a period of dormancy.
At a glance, you will think the nail fungus is gone, only to discover that it is back again. It was never really gone anyway, but the new buds or spores were just resting before getting on with the work of building a new home and feeding off your skin.
This is why we encourage you to keep using a toenail fungus treatment for at least six months. It may clear up nicely in three months, but the spores, just like dandelion seeds, could just be waiting to sprout again.
Fungal cannons explosive spore discharge.
Spores, the most recognizable of fungal cells, are produced in prolific quantities and sent forth to colonize fresh substrate...
If you are a pet lover, you know how hard it is to keep your dog or cat free of fleas. You may shampoo and treat your pet, but the flea eggs are lying dormant in the carpet, waiting to hatch. Only persistent care and time will finally solve your problem.
Fungus can be just as much of an issue. Persistent care with a anti-fungal solution and time will resolve the problem.
Self-Care and prevention
Self-care is very important. It is very important to keep your immune system fully nourished. Eat a wholesome diet with lots of fruit and vegetables. This will help your body fend off invaders.
Here are some ways that may help to prevent fungal infections:
Keep your feet dry, avoid constant moisture
Avoid nonporous, closed shoes made of synthetic materials
Wear absorbent socks, preferably cotton or wool
Wear water-proof sandals when public showers
Also, after showering or swimming, dry your feet completely with a clean towel. Keep your nails cut short.
Additionally, if you are going to a salon for a manicure or pedicure, be selective about the salon and how they sterilize their instruments. Never borrow or lend nail files, emery board, nail clippers, etc.
If you have nail fungus, avoid artificial nails, as they give even more protection to the fungus and prevent medication from reaching the fungus.
Be sure to wash you hands with soap and hot water after touching your own nail fungus or someone else who has nail fungus.
Cautions and precautions
Many people have used anti-fungal solution without reporting any side effects.
Anti-Fungal Solution should never be put in your mouth or swallowed. Severe reactions could occur if you do. Keep away from children.
Nail fungus is not a serious disease in itself, but it should be looked at by your doctor. People who have diabetes need to be especially careful with their feet because of diminished circulation.
Your doctor can give you oral medications for nail fungus. However, they must be taken consistently for months in order to be effective. The medications also have potential side effects to other body organs especially the liver, skin and bone marrow.
To monitor side effects your physician must order periodic blood tests during treatment.
Use anti-fungal solution to support and maintain your nails. Your hands and feet can be beautiful, reflecting your radiant good health.
Good health is attractive, appealing and sexy. When you look sick, even something as small as nail fungus can be repellent and disgusting to others.
Now that you know what causes toenail fungus and how to prevent it, take good care of your self, and you will be welcome everywhere.
